Akakan Umoh
A total of 100 constituents from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State are undergoing an intensive training on Solar Power System Installation and Maintenance under the Mega Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Initiative.
Sponsored by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Unyime Idem, the training will last for one month.
Recall that the Legislator had sent more than 100 young people to China, Rwanda and other countries to acquire world-class technical and vocational skills to be able to compete favourably with others globally.
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Declaring the training open on Saturday, July 25, Rt. Hon. Idem said ‘‘My commitment is strengthened by my belief that true empowerment is not about giving temporary relief; it is about equipping our people with skills that will create lasting opportunities, financial independence and a better future.
‘‘That is why I chose solar power installation, a globally relevant and highly sought-after skill in today’s rapidly growing renewable energy industry.
‘‘With more homes, offices and businesses embracing solar energy, the demand for skilled installers continues to rise. Beyond empowering these 100 beneficiaries, the programme would also create a pool of qualified solar technicians in Akwa Ibom State to support the state’s growing investments in renewable energy in the years ahead.’’
The Chairman of House Committee on Public Procurement, said he has sponsored their accommodation and feeding (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the one-month duration to enable the participants to concentrate on learning.
‘‘No participant will have to worry about where to sleep or what to eat while acquiring this life-changing skill. In addition, successful trainees will receive stipends for a period of three months after the training to support their transition into the workforce.
‘‘At the end of the training, participants who successfully pass the final examination will be professionally certified by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), qualifying them to practice as certified solar power installation and maintenance technicians.
‘‘Every successful participant will also receive professional toolboxes, starter packs and cash grants to enable them establish themselves immediately, begin practicing their trade and earn a sustainable income with their newly acquired skills,’’ he told the participants.”
‘‘This programme is another demonstration of my unwavering commitment to equipping our people with globally competitive and relevant skills that will make them productive and self-reliant.
‘‘I am particularly encouraged because this is not the first time we are investing in our people.
‘‘Through the Unyime Idem Mega Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Initiative, we have already trained several thousands of constituents in different vocational and entrepreneurial skills, and provided them with start-up kits and cash grants to establish their businesses and become self-sustaining,’’ the Lawmaker said.

His vision, according to him, is to continue creating opportunities, reducing unemployment, fighting poverty and building a constituency where our young people are empowered with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
Dr. Idem, therefore, advised the trainees to make good use of the opportunity, reminding them that this training is an investment in their future and that the skills acquired could transform not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities.

Speaking to our correspondent, two trainees – Eyakndue Etim Akpan and Edidiong Ukpanah – from Ukanafun Local Government Area, thanked Idem for sponsoring the training, and pledged to put in more effort to master the technical programme.
Also, Isaac Okonem and Abigail Asuquo Daniel, trainees from Oruk Anam, were excited about the programme, and commended Dr. Idem for the sponsorship, pledging to work hard to acquire solar skills.
